5 stars - a raw depiction of alcoholism and recovery from the pov of a 15 year old girl.

Bella is struggling due to the recent loss of her grandmother Laurel, her parents divorce and the pressures of school. The only thing that helps Bella get through this, is alcohol, or Vodka specifically. After a night of drinking and partying, she blacks out and her friends leave her on her mom’s porch to basically die. After being treated in hospital, her mom sends her to a rehab despite Bella’s protests, that she doesn’t have a problem. We follow Bella as she meets her fellow patients and her 30 day rehab stay, and also how she copes when her stay ends.

A beautiful but hard hitting and story that shows the consequences of teenage addiction and the road to recovery. The character of Bella is just a typical teenager who is just dealing with a lot of things teenagers shouldn’t have to deal with. This makes the story all the more heartbreaking as we learn all about her inner thoughts and feelings, and the build up to her drinking problems and her road to recovery.

I felt the author portrayed an honest and real depiction of addiction and how people cope when they leave the safety of rehab. Even though she is just a character I really wish Bella well for the future.

I liked the rehab setting of getting outdoors, the Polaroid picture aspect and I felt captivated by all of the other patients Bella meets, especially Holly.

If you liked this book or vice versa you may also enjoy Clean by Juno Dawson with a similar addiction and rehab story.

Title: The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow

Release Date: October, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Bella's journey offers a raw and honest look at the struggles and triumphs of overcoming personal demons.

Bella is at her breaking point. Everyone in her life seems to need something from her, and she turns to alcohol to dull the overwhelming pain and pressure. It smooths out the rough edges and makes everything seem more manageable. Besides, everyone drinks, right? And Bella is convinced she can stop whenever she wants.

But everything changes one fateful night. After one too many drinks at a party, Bella finds herself unconscious on her mother’s front steps with a fractured cheekbone and no memory of what happened. This terrifying wake-up call forces Bella to confront her reality, leading her to a path she never thought she'd take: rehab.

Why I enjoyed It:

🌟 Relatable Protagonist: Bella is a character many will find themselves rooting for. Her struggles with addiction and the pressure of others' expectations are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity.
🌟 Emotional Depth: Kathleen Glasgow doesn't shy away from the hard truths. Bella's journey is filled with heart-wrenching moments that will make you feel deeply connected to her story.
🌟 Hope and Redemption: Despite the dark themes, the book is ultimately about hope and the possibility of redemption. Bella's path to recovery is inspiring and beautifully portrayed.
🌟 Powerful Message: The Glass Girl delivers a powerful message about the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help, making it an important read for both teens and adults.

The Glass Girl is a gripping and poignant novel that draws you in from the first page. Bella's descent into addiction and her subsequent journey to recovery are depicted with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. Kathleen Glasgow’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, capturing the pain and hope that define Bella’s experience.

Bella’s character is incredibly well-developed, making her struggles and triumphs feel real and impactful. The supporting characters, from her family to her friends in rehab, add depth to the narrative and highlight the complexities of addiction and recovery.

The book's pacing keeps you hooked, with each chapter revealing more about Bella's inner world and the events that led to her breaking point. The journey to rehab and the challenges Bella faces there are portrayed with realism and empathy, making her eventual steps toward healing all the more rewarding.

The Glass Girl is not just a story about addiction; it’s a story about finding oneself amid chaos and pain. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys deeply emotional and thought-provoking YA fiction.

Thank you to The Publisher Oneworld Publications | Rock the Boat ,The Author Kathleen Glasgow & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.